february2024 – Fylde Council

Residential Property Childrens Homes Update

Fylde Council — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 10:30:06 +0000

Fylde Council is exploring options to bring children’s homes under tighter controls. The report of the in-depth Scrutiny Review of the Use of Residential Premises as Children’s Homes is now available, and Fylde Council’s Executive Committee have resolved to agree to the recommendations it puts forward.

As planning permission is not always required to change the use of a residential dwelling to a children’s care home, concern has previously been expressed that residential children’s homes are being established in an uncontrolled and uncoordinated manner across the borough.

Between September 2023 and January 2024, a Task and Finish Group appointed by the Internal Scrutiny Committee met on six occasions and spoke with numerous stakeholders and external organisations involved with children’s services either directly or indirectly. The goal was to gain an understanding of the planning permission at Fylde as it related to children’s care homes and how such homes are regulated by the various bodies, as well as to assess the impact these arrangements had on communities, service providers, key organisations, and looked after children.

In addition to evidence presented by partners including Lancashire County Council Children’s Services, Ofsted, Lancashire Constabulary and the regional Named Nurse for Children in Care, the Task and Finish Group also received evidence from several children’s care home providers and submissions from residents of Fylde.

This rich array of evidence allowed Members to identify numerous issues of concern, from which they drew four recommendations for the consideration of the Executive Committee:

To consider the drafting of an advice note to inform and assist applicants, neighbours and other interested parties in the development of, or change of use of an existing building or premises to, a children’s home through the seeking of planning permission or lawful development certificate.
To investigate and consider ways in which Fylde Council can assist and promote the work of Lancashire County Council Children’s Services locally in Fylde.
To explore an approach in planning policy in line with neighbouring authorities; and
To further research the prevalence of anti-social behaviour in relation to the increase of children’s homes in Fylde.

The purpose of such an advice note would be to provide clarity and guidance, enabling the submission of better-quality applications that the council can support.

Cllr Chris Dixon, Lead Member for Social Wellbeing, said: “We know there are children who need to be in care, and we are fully committed to helping those children and families in need. However, this review has highlighted exactly what we suspected and feared; we are catering for four times as many children in care as we need in Lancashire. This means children are being sent miles and miles away from their homes to be cared for here in Fylde which can exacerbate the issues they face and put pressure on local services with costs falling on us here in Fylde. Some care home providers are taking on lucrative contracts for authorities hundreds of miles away, and not for local families who need help.

“There are clearly gaps in the legislation governing children’s care homes and they need to be addressed to allow Fylde residents to have a real voice on the number and location of children’s homes in the borough.

“By obtaining a better understanding of the interface between the various bodies involved, the Council can establish how to improve the situation and make sure children being looked after in Lancashire are in the best possible care, while minimising any negative impact for partner organisations and communities within Fylde.”

In addition to the recommendations presented to the Executive Committee of Fylde Council, the review also makes several recommendations for the consideration of His Majesty’s Government.

The full Internal Affairs Scrutiny Committee report, entitled ‘A Review into the Use of Residential Properties as Children’s Care Homes’, can be read on the Fylde Council website here: Click to view the full report.

Keep up to date with the latest Fylde Council news by following us on social media or subscribing to our newsletter. Any new information will be posted directly through these channels, so if you are following us, you’ll be the first to know.

Former TSB Building Contractor Appointed / Capital Drawdown

Fylde Council — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 09:08:53 +0000

Following a successful tender process and the approval of Fylde Council’s Executive Committee, Rosslee Construction have been appointed to refurbish the former TSB and Charity Girls School in Kirkham, as part of the Kirkham Futures regeneration programme.

The refurbishment work aims to preserve the character of the building while remodelling the interior into a bar and restaurant, repairing exterior elements such as railings and paving, and replacing the 1970s rear extension with contemporary details and a rear patio terrace with landscape garden area.

Cllr Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council and Lead Member for Corporate and Economic Development, said: “As the Kirkham Futures project moves towards completion, we’re excited to enter the final stages of establishing this new community centrepiece in the heart of the town. Once construction work is underway, we will be able to seek a suitable operator to bring the vision to life.”

Funding for the project is included within the approved Capital Programme for 2023/24 and 2024/25, with intent to transfer underspent funds from the Hillside Court scheme subject to approval from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

The property at 52-64 Poulton Street is a Grade II listed building dating from 1860, originally serving as Charity Girls School, and later as a community hall before becoming a Lloyds/TSB bank. After the bank closed, the landmark sat vacant for several years, and its future was uncertain before Fylde Council were able to purchase the property in March 2022 with the assistance of the Future High Street Fund.

The building occupies an enviable high street position in the heart of Kirkham, with easy access to the public car park. This provides an excellent location for a bar and restaurant and will fulfil key regeneration goals to increase footfall and drive an evening economy in the town.

Kirkham Futures is a 4-year programme of work to revitalise the town centre, representing the biggest investment in Kirkham in a generation, funded by the Historic England High Street Heritage Action Zone, the Government’s Future High Street Fund, and contributions from Lancashire County Council, Fylde Council, and Kirkham Town Council.

For more information about the Kirkham Futures programme, visit the Kirkham Futures website. To keep up to date with the latest developments in Kirkham and across Fylde, sign up to receive Fylde Council’s weekly email newsletter every Saturday morning.

Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) Programme Budget Approved For 2024/25

Fylde Council — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 11:00:25 +0000

Fylde Council’s Executive Committee has approved the funding of the Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) Programme for 2024/25.

The revenue budget increase of £153,708, fully funded from the government’s HAF grant, will allow Fylde Council to continue delivering the school holiday programme of physical and enrichment activities, plus a healthy meal, for children in receipt of free school meals.

The objectives of the HAF programme are for attendees to:

Eat more healthily and be more active over the school holidays
Take part in engaging and enriching activities which support the development of resilience, character, and wellbeing, along with wider educational attainment
Be safe and not socially isolated
Have a greater knowledge of health and nutrition
Be more engaged with school and other local services

Cllr Chris Dixon, Lead Member for Social Wellbeing, said: ““school holidays can be difficult for some families due to reduced incomes and increased costs such as food and childcare. Children from disadvantaged backgrounds can be less likely to access organised out-of-school activities, more likely to experience ‘unhealthy holidays’ in terms of nutrition and physical health, and more likely to experience social isolation.

“We’re proud to continue providing these holiday activities with our partners for the children of Fylde. This is another example of money going exactly where it is needed – helping improve the lives of families in need.”

Fylde Council were provided with a budget allocation of £153,708 from central government for 2024/25. The grant funding is based on predicted participation levels and the numbers of children eligible for and in receipt of free school meals in the area, with predicted costs based on easter break (one week provision), summer holiday (four weeks provision) and Christmas holiday (one week provision).

In 2023 Fylde saw a 34.5% increase in HAF attendance from the previous year, with 1462 children attending the programme across the borough. A total of 846 sessions were attended across the year.

Details will soon be available on HAF activities and clubs over the Easter 2024 half-term break. To keep up to date with the latest news, follow Fylde Council on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, and sign up to our weekly newsletter.

Budget Proposal Consultation 2024/25

Fylde Council — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 13:55:40 +0000

The proposals for the 2024/25 budget have now been published and can be viewed on the Fylde Council website here: view consultation

Feedback from all stakeholders received before 20 February 2024 will be considered at the budget-setting Council meeting of 4 March 2024. However, any further comments from the public received after 20 February but prior to the budget-setting Council meeting will be considered.

Feedback should be submitted by email using listening@fylde.gov.uk or by post to Budget Consultation Feedback, The Town Hall, Lytham St Annes, Lancashire, FY8 1LW.

For 2024/25, an increase 2.99% in the average council tax charge is proposed alongside a number of growth items as the Council focuses on investment in the borough and on delivering the priorities in the corporate plan. The capital growth proposals include:

New safety fencing at Fairhaven Lake
Upgraded heat management system at the Councils fleet workshop and depot
Improvements to pathways at Ashton Gardens
A contribution to replace the roof at Freckleton community centre

The revenue budget proposals for 2024/25 are:

In order to safeguard the Councils revenue position there are no new revenue growth items proposed for 2024/25

All of these will contribute to ensuring Fylde is a vibrant and thriving place to live and visit.

Cllr Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, said: “Over the last 12 months we have all faced increased costs whether that be in energy or our weekly food shop. The council is not immune to inflationary cost rises and is facing additional pressure on budgets due to wage increases across the sector, agency costs, increased homeless presentations and fleet and maintenance costs, to name but a few.

“The proposed increase in council tax of 2.99% is less than the current rate of inflation of 4% and, although any increase is unwelcome, it will be used to maintain our strong record of good quality statutory services right across the borough of Fylde.”

Cllr Ellie Gaunt, Lead Member for Finance & Resources, said: “We’ll be seeking final approval of our budget at our full council meeting at the beginning of March, and in the meantime, we welcome comments from stakeholders on the proposals.

“To help fund the proposed revenue budget, a 2.99% (equivalent to £6.54 for the next financial year for an average band D property) increase in our share of council tax bills is being proposed. This would represent less than a 13p increase per week per average household for the coming year.

“The proposed council tax charge will ensure that we remain financially robust so that we can continue to invest in the frontline services that matter to residents and businesses across the borough, including waste and recycling collections; planning services; housing services; parks, leisure, and open spaces; street cleaning and environmental health.”

Click here to view the 2024/25 Budget Proposals on the Fylde Council website.

Household Support Fund Still Available Until 31 March

Fylde Council — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 13:19:28 +0000

There’s still time for Fylde residents to apply for help through Fylde Council’s Household Support Fund before the current funding window closes on 31 March 2024.

Eligible households can get assistance with short-term living costs such as food bills, energy and water bills, clothing and other essentials if they are experiencing financial hardship and lack the resources to meet their immediate short-term needs.

Residents will also be signposted to other sources of advice and support to ensure that they are receiving all the assistance they may be entitled to. This additional assistance is intended to help residents in the long-term, and includes guidance on welfare and benefit eligibility as well as debt management advice.

The current funding for the Houshold Support Fund expires on 31 March 2024, meaning Fylde residents who would like to apply should make sure to do so before that date.

Cllr Chris Dixon, Lead Member for Social Wellbeing, said: “We’ve been proud to be able to help vulnerable people in Fylde through the Household Support Fund, and there’s still time for us to provide more assistance for those who qualify. I encourage eligible Fylde residents to submit their applications through the Citizens Advice Fylde website to see what assistance they can receive.”

The Household Support Fund is administered by Citizens Advice Fylde on behalf of Fylde Council. For the full eligibility criteria and information on how to apply, including what the scheme does not cover, please visit the Household Support Funding page on the Fylde Council website.

A wide range of cost-of-living support and resources, including housing guidance, mental health support and debt advice, can also be found on the Fylde Council website here.

CHANGE Weight Management Clients Share Their Stories!

Fylde Council — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 13:14:18 +0000

Fylde residents have been talking about the tremendous benefits they’ve enjoyed through Fylde Council’s free adult weight management programme!

CHANGE (Creating Healthy Activities and Nutritious Gains to Empower change) is designed specifically for adult Fylde residents and is delivered by local community weight management services, providing community-based diet, nutrition, lifestyle and behavioural change advice. The group sessions and 1:1 support show people how to implement positive lifestyle changes over an eight-week course, helping participants learn how to manage their weight in a healthy and long-lasting way, plus physical activity sessions such has low-impact circuits and tennis.

Cllr Chris Dixon, Lead Member for Social Wellbeing, said: “The ongoing success of the CHANGE scheme is truly a credit to the people who work hard to deliver it and to the users who take part. It’s wonderful to read about the great experiences Fylde residents have had as part of the programme, and to hear how positively it’s affected both their physical and mental health.”

Want to know more? Read on for genuine testimonials from service users who have benefited from the programme:

Andrew wrote: “Since joining the CHANGE programme, I have a greater knowledge of food and nutrition, and how these affect my health and wellbeing. I have begun to exercise both within the CHANGE programme and outside of this by joining the gym and, weather permitting, riding my bike. The CHANGE programme is a must for Fylde residents wanting to make ‘changes’ to their lifestyle.”

Carol wrote: “[The best part about the course has been] meeting other friendly like-minded people with common goals. CHANGE is a friendly pro-active group where you learn new nutrition skills and can try new exercise regimes in a non-pressure environment.”

Raymond wrote: “The programme has helped me to embed changes and opened up my social interactions which had diminished directly after retiring from work. My mental health has improved. […] I am more conscious about what I eat.”

From April 2024, Fylde Council’s new Healthy Weight Services programme will also include family sessions, building on the success of the current delivery over the past three years and providing a lifestyle multi-component weight management service supporting people to lose weight and improving associated knowledge and skills in both children and adults.

If you are a Fylde resident interested in learning how to healthily manage weight in a community-based and accessible way, why not book your friendly telephone assessment today? Go to https://new.fylde.gov.uk/change/ to find out more and start your journey to a healthier, happier you.

Further details on the Family programme will be available once finalised. To keep up to date with the latest news from Fylde Council, why not sign up to our weekly email newsletter?

All testimony is reproduced with the express written permission of the persons quoted.

NHS Community Funding Retrospective: Inspirational Successes

Fylde Council — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 13:07:32 +0000

As applications open for the Fylde Community Wellbeing Fund, we look back at some of the fantastic projects enabled by Fylde Council-administered NHS Community Funding last year.

The NHS Community Funding allowed Fylde Council to take applications from volunteer, community, faith-based and social enterprise organisations for projects to support Fylde residents through the cost-of-living crisis, whether by helping with food and other essentials, empowering with new wellness skills, or providing a friendly environment to address social isolation in trying times.

Altogether, the scheme was able to support twelve projects in Fylde with up to £15,000 in funding, with excellent feedback both from the organising groups and the people who attended. If you are a member of a group considering a project for your community through the Fylde Community Wellbeing Fund, read on to be inspired by just a few of the success stories from last year.

AFC Fylde Community Foundation – Fylde Loneliness Prevention Project

The AFC Fylde Community Foundation were one of the beneficiaries of the grant, receiving funding for their Fylde Loneliness Prevention Project, working to deliver one-to-one outreach work and group mentoring activities for people over 65 who found themselves socially isolated by the increased constraints of the cost-of-living crisis. These sessions allowed project officers to produce personalised care and support plans, build relationships and confidence with the participants, and signpost to project partners for additional help where required.

A total of 24 group sessions and 83 one-to-one sessions were completed between 1 Jan 2023 and 31 March 2023, with 30 people able to leave their homes and connect with new friends and their communities in ways that would not have been possible without this support. The Fylde Loneliness Prevention Project was deemed a success in supporting a significant number of participants to reduce social isolation in Fylde, and was successful in securing National Lottery funding for a further three years. If you or someone you know may benefit from the free twelve-week programme, why not visit the AFC Fylde Community Foundation website?

Blackpool and South Fylde Methodist Circuit – Wesley’s Wellbeing Project

Fylde Residents may already be familiar with Wesley’s Community Cafe & Larder at Church Road Methodist Church in St Annes, and the fantastic work they do to provide a safe and welcoming place for people to come together, socialise and enjoy good food for free. In 2023, the Blackpool and South Fylde Methodist Circuit received funding for Wesley’s Wellbeing Project, a programme of groups and classes to help residents develop their mental wellbeing and practical skills. A ‘taster day’ introduced courses covering Digital Skills, Microwave Cooking, Gardening Classes (‘The Small Garden Group’), Music for Wellbeing, and an Art and Nature Group.

The courses were well attended by families and individuals, including older people who identified themselves as socially isolated. Participants reported greatly enjoying the activities and being inspired to continue gardening, singing or creating art after the courses ended, as well as developing the confidence to seek out other groups and engage in the wider community.

Just Good Friends – JGF Support Project

Just Good Friends are a community organisation based in Lytham St Annes who work to combat loneliness and social isolation by bringing people together in friendship. Together, they provide wellbeing support for vulnerable members, host weekly programmes of social activities and events, enable peer support, and provide guidance, advocacy and referral. Their JGF Support Project allowed them to spread the word and attract new members, as well provide free memberships, free activity sessions, Sunday dinners, curry nights, and warm spaces seven days a week.

Attendees explained how they would otherwise have been staying home alone, with no heating and little food, but instead were able to eat, socialise, and get advice on the different types of support available such as foodbank vouchers.

Cllr Chris Dixon, Lead Member for Social Wellbeing, said: “We’re very fortunate in Fylde to be home to so many caring community groups, and I am proud be able to support them with grant funding for the wonderful projects to enhance where they live. I would encourage any groups looking to start or continue such programmes this year to investigate our Community Wellbeing Fund and see how we may be able to help with up to £5,000 in funding.”

Fylde Council’s new Community Wellbeing Fund is open for applications NOW, giving community groups the opportunity to apply for up to £5,000 in grant funding for innovative, sustainable projects that will enhance where they live. To read more and to apply, visit http://www.fylde.gov.uk/wellbeingfund

Free Monday Supper Club at Well Community Centre, St Annes

Fylde Council — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 10:05:05 +0000

Hot food and a warm welcome are waiting every Monday evening, thanks to a new free Supper Club initiative in St Annes funded by Fylde Council and run by staff and volunteers.

The free Supper Club takes place every Monday between 4:00pm – 5:30pm at the Well Community Centre, 92 St Albans Road, Lytham St Annes, FY8 1UZ. Everyone is welcome, whether you’re looking for a fresh cooked meal, some helpful advice about what troubles you, or just a friendly place to relax.

As well as providing wholesome food at no cost to the attendees and a comfortable atmosphere in which to socialise, the Supper Club is a great way for people to access signposting to services that can help them.

Cllr Chris Dixon, Lead Member for Social Wellbeing, said: “The first few weeks of the Supper Club have been very well received. People are already telling us how much they appreciate a place they feel welcome, where they can just chat and enjoy a meal.”

“Programmes such as this benefit some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. It’s not just about supper – it is about meeting people, sharing worries and finding out about help available. I’m delighted that Fylde Council are funding this initiative.”

The Supper Club initiative is currently funded through Fylde Council and Lancashire County Council, and the organisers aim to eventually secure further funding to support their ambitions going forward.

Potential plans include introducing drop-in sessions with support agencies such as Citizens Advice Fylde, Homestart and the DWP, so attendees can get additional assistance with issues they may be experiencing.

Another idea under discussion is to develop the Supper Club into a general-purpose hub, potentially open another night of the week, offering an informal social space where people can also get practical assistance with facilities such as a clothes bank.

More helping hands are always welcome! If you’d like to volunteer and help with the Supper Club, email your details to Siobhán Tweedale at fyldecommunityhub@gmail.com

If you or someone you know are finding it difficult to make ends meet during the cost-of-living crisis, support is available. Visit the Fylde Council website to access a list of resources and links to support services.

Fylde Sand Dune Christmas Tree Planting Event Shores Up Our Natural Sea Defences

Fylde Council — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 14:33:37 +0000

The Christmas Tree planting event at the Fylde sand dunes has proven a tremendous success this year, with more than 600 volunteers attending the two-day event across 5 – 6 February, planting trees donated by local households to help enhance the effectiveness of the dunes as a natural sea defence.

The dunes along the Fylde Coast are home to a diverse and specialised ecosystem, hosting a variety of unique plants and animals. These dunes, designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, play a crucial role in providing habitat for flora and fauna of international and national importance. Additionally, they serve as an effective soft sea defence for our local community. Sadly, over the past 150 years, more than 80% of the dunes have been lost due to coastal town expansion.

The Fylde Sand Dunes Project aims to restore and conserve these dunes by growing them in seawards. The old Christmas trees, donated by residents, are strategically placed in front of the existing dunes. As the wind blows, the branches of the trees trap sand, gradually creating new dunes.

Cllr Tommy Threlfall, Lead Member for Environment, said: “I’m very glad to see the continuing success of the tree planting initiative on Fylde’s sand dunes. The initiative to enhance and build up this unique contribution to our sea defences is one I’m very proud of, having been involved since the start.

“Last year, we received over 2500 trees thanks to the community’s generosity, and we’ve witnessed an impressive 90-metre increase in the width of the Fylde Sand Dune system.

“This year we have received nearly 4000 trees, and every year it gets bigger and better. I’d like to offer my thanks to the members of our community who work together to make this happen.”

Over the weekend of 13-14 January, the annual doorstep collection of unwanted real Christmas raised over £19,725 (excluding gift aid) in donations for Trinity Hospice.

The Fylde Sand Dunes Project is a partnership between The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside, Fylde Council, and Blackpool Council. To read more, visit the Wildlife Trust website.

Celebrating Fylde Council’s Apprentices

Fylde Council — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 12:07:19 +0000

As this week (5-11 February) is National Apprenticeship Week, we want to show off some of our fantastic apprentices both past and present celebrating what they have achieved and where they are heading in the future. National Apprenticeship Week aims to raise awareness of the many benefits apprenticeships can offer you. It’s a fantastic chance to learn about apprenticeships, explore your options and network. If you or someone you know is looking for an apprenticeship you can find all the information you’ll need to help make your decision and find the right one for you at apprenticeships.gov.uk

Meet our apprentices –

Josh

Josh is an Apprentice Building Control Officer here at Fylde Council and here is what he had to say –

“Working with Fylde Council is a great opportunity to learn new skills and grow in your chosen profession whilst having all the support you need from a team of your peers. As an apprentice at Fylde Council, I am constantly seeing new things and gaining experience on the job, whilst attending university to further my career.”

Maisie

Maisie is a Business Support with Marketing Apprentice currently working within our Economic Development & Communications Team.
Maisie said “Working with Fylde Council provides an excellent opportunity to gain experience and knowledge while achieving a qualification. They encourage thinking outside the box to find solutions and provide a strong network of support for work and for personal well-being.”

Derek

Derek is an Apprentice Civil Engineer within our Tech Services Department, he said, –
I had been working for Fylde Council for ten years as a LGV driver. An opportunity opened for an apprenticeship in civil engineering. I had considered engineering when I was younger, and sometimes wish I had taken this route, but I was also conscious of my age.

When you think about apprenticeships you will generally think of young people, particularly school leavers.
Thankfully, I decided to apply for the position, and here I am now undertaking a degree apprenticeship at UCLan, and even better still earning whilst doing it. The training is all paid for you.
The people I work with are fantastic and are very supportive, whether that is support on the job, with studies, or with completing off-the-job training, which is a requirement for the apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships are fantastic opportunities. You are in full-time employment and receiving training at the same time with a day release to college/university. The qualification you train for, whether it is an HNC/HND or a degree will depend on the qualifications you have obtained from school/college.

Tara

Tara has completed her apprenticeship with Fylde and is now ITC Deputy Manager due to her hard work and dedication. Here is what she had to say –

“Fylde Council’s apprenticeship programme has proven to be a transformative opportunity for individuals like myself. Joining the council at the age of 16 in an administrative role, I ascended through the ranks to secure a place in the ICT department. The three-year software engineering degree apprenticeship provided a remarkable platform for growth.

Fylde’s unwavering support was evident as they facilitated one day a week for college and extended time for my dissertation. The result was a first-class honours degree, accompanied by a Certificate of Merit from the prestigious Gold Tech Industry Awards. This academic achievement subsequently propelled me into the role of Deputy ICT Manager. I couldn’t have done it without Fylde Council and My tutors at Blackpool & Fylde College”

Kieran

Kieran is an Apprentice Mechanic

He said – “I love my apprenticeship at Fylde! The people here make it feel like a second home – a supportive and friendly team that encourages my growth. Learning on the job is such a valuable experience, and every day brings new challenges that help me gain skills I never thought possible. Fylde isn’t just a workplace; it’s a community that fosters personal and professional development. It is so handy to have the opportunity at my doorstep where I have grown up.”

Jake

Jake is a Finance Administration Support Officer, here is what he had to say –

“Since joining Fylde Council two years ago, I’ve started my apprenticeship in Finance. My plan is to complete it by 2026 fully AAT qualified. I would recommend starting an apprenticeship to anyone as this route has allowed me to massively increase my knowledge and understanding of the finance functions.

I enjoy working at Fylde as the staff are some of the best people I have worked with and are very supportive of my personal development.”